Hearty Ground Beef Stew
- This comforting ground beef stew combines the rich flavor of traditional beef stew with the affordability and convenience of ground beef.
- Packed with tender vegetables and savory broth, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
- A budget-friendly, one-pot wonder that’s ready in under an hour.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (85-90% lean)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced into coins
- 2 medium russet potatoes, cubed (¾-inch pieces)
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional, add in last 5 minutes)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and break it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until no pink remains and some brown bits form on the bottom (5-7 minutes).
- Reduce heat to medium and add diced onion, carrots, potatoes, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until onions become translucent.
- Add minced garlic and tomato paste. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until tomato paste darkens slightly.
- Pour in beef broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to release all the flavorful brown bits. Add salt, pepper, thyme, and optional Worcestershire sauce and bay leaf.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to maintain a steady simmer.
- Cook uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are fork-tender and broth has reduced slightly.
- If using frozen peas, add them during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Remove bay leaf if used.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a thicker stew, remove ¼ cup of broth, whisk in 1 tablespoon flour until smooth, then stir back into the pot and simmer for 5 more minutes.
- This stew tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 720
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 24
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 21
- Cholesterol: 45
Keywords: ground beef stew, beef stew recipe, hearty beef stew, comfort food stew, easy one-pot beef stew
Find it online: https://www.joyliciousrecipes.com/ground-beef-stew-easy-bold/